The Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal heard the men acted “unacceptably” by charging clients even though the government was paying their fees.

It found eight of the 11 allegations against the lawyers proven.

Inadequate advice

The law firm argued there was “absolutely nothing wrong” with earning substantial fees from its business conduct.

Beresford, 58, said last year to be Britain’s highest-earning solicitor, and Smith, 52, made millions of pounds from personal injury claims for miners under the government’s coal health compensation scheme.

Tribunal chairman David Leverton said: “If ever there was a group of persons who needed the full care and attention from solicitors, it was these miners.

“Mr Beresford described himself as an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, his attitude allowed himself and Mr Smith to put commercial goals before his clients’ best interests.”